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Should the drinking age in Kansas be pushed back to 18?
Asked at Massachusetts Street on October 5, 2004
“Absolutely. If you can be drafted, you should be able to drink.”
“Yes. I think kids would go less crazy if they were allowed to drink at a younger age. What the heck, push it back to 14.”
“I think they should allow people to drink wine and beer at 15, so that they can learn to appreciate the taste instead of just getting drunk.”
“I think that they should lower the drinking age. It seems to work out all right in other countries.”
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Comments
JHAWKGURL 13 years, 6 months ago
I say yes and they should also legalize mary jane
jonas 13 years, 6 months ago
Sorry to tell you, Jimmy, but you can be intelligent and still be a dunderhead.
Just look at Kerry!
Bugbear 13 years, 6 months ago
merrill....so is your answer yes? Or no?
Hi_Jinks 13 years, 6 months ago
Jimmy,
What's your story, man? Huh? You live in Texas--and you're reading the LJ World? For what? Do you have friends and/or relatives that live around here? What do you do for a living? How long were you in the service? What was your field? What sort of specific training did you acquire while in the service? Were you always "anti-Republican"? I've got a million more questions for you, Jimmy. But these few will do for now.
Richard Heckler 13 years, 6 months ago
Perhaps with a tremendous amount of advice to accompany the decision.
Is it cool to be drunk? No it is not. Is it safe to be drunk? No it is not. Will your friends respect you more for getting drunk? No Way Will I make a fool of myself when drunk? Very Very likely. Is getting drunk good for my brain cells? What do you think?
Will you experience a hang over each time you get drunk. More likely than not
Are hang overs painful and a waste of time? Absolutely
How about one to three drinks an evening? Very smart...far more so than getting drunk. Can you enjoy yourself and others on one to three drinks an evening? Absolutely...you may not remember yourself let alone others after a drunken evening.
Can anyone become an alcoholic? Don't ever think it will not/cannot happen to you. Alcohol is like any other addictive drug.
LEARN to enjoy yourself on less. This is cool and smart.
mr_daniels 13 years, 6 months ago
Olson...sober up, you slobbering drunk! Join the Marines, become a Man. Crying in your beer will not win you Kerry! Heh! Heh!Heh!
GO GOP 04
craigers 13 years, 6 months ago
I would say yes if all 18 year olds were responsible. We have a hard enough time keeping the 21 year olds from becoming alcoholics that can't go a weekend without drinking. Who really cares, if you are 18 and really want to drink you probably are going to and from what I have seen, any kids close to 18 that drink are un-intelligent. They don't use common sense. To them drinking is just getting drunk and acting stupid and those are the types of kids or young adults that should never touch the stuff. I just wish people would learn how to have a good time without alcohol and maybe the streets would be a lot safer. With the recent court case, since alcohol was involved three legal adults decided to have sex with a 13 year old. These are adults that did this and since they were under the influence and the 13 year old was willing then it wasn't as punishable as a "real" rape. Alcohol is just another excuse for somebody not to take responsibility for their actions. I think to lower it would just increase our problems. In principle, I do agree with Marion, but I just see way to many problems coming from this.
me 13 years, 6 months ago
Of course it should be lowered to 18. I almost agree with Carrie, I think kids would go a little less crazy if we didn't have such an overbearing hold on them until they grow up. A lot European nations have less problems with body image, eating disorders, alchoholism, drug abuse, etc. Maybe is that because not everything is taboo over there? Maybe is it because the Europeans have learned how to lighten up?
mrcairo 13 years, 6 months ago
I think it ought to be raised to 25.
From what I've seen, most 21 year olds can't drink responsibly anyway, what makes you think 18 year olds will?
The problem is not knowing when to START drinking, the problem is knowing when to STOP.
Redneckgal 13 years, 6 months ago
Yes it should be lowered to 18. There will always people who are going to be irresponsible and it don't matter whether their 18 or 40.
mr_daniels 13 years, 6 months ago
Olson, the worm has turned for you!
Reader 13 years, 6 months ago
Ok, From The Point Of No Return. From Birth To The Age Of 21. Just What Is "Legal" And/Or "Illegal" Age/s (I Know It May Vary In Other States) For ie; Drinking, Smoking, Driving, Voting, Working, Marriage, Sex, And So On, Also The Up Coming "Draft", We're All Hearing About? If There Was (And There Probaly Is) Some Kinda Prospective On The Issue's In Hand, Maybe We Could Find Out Just What Is The "Legal" Age Should Be. Like Some Have Said In The Past. "If I Am Old Enough To "Die For My Country" Then I Should Be Old Enough To.................!? For Example: If Drafted At The Age Of "18", Would He/She Be Able To "Smoke Or Drink"? Will He/She Have To Be "21" To Carry A "Loaded Firearm"? Just A Thought. MayBe The "Legal" Age Should Be Around, Let's Say "19-20" Years Of Age For The Overall At Hand?
William_Rothgraeger 13 years, 6 months ago
I think absolutely the drinking age should be lowered to at least 18. I find it problematic that an 18-year-old senior can enlist to die for his country while at the same time we can distrust his judgement when he wants to purchase a beer here in the States should he be lucky enough to return safely after deployment. We will never enter an age where every individual in a demographic (ie-all 18-year-olds) are responsible. I for one think that many problems we see in this country with underage drinking have to do with the rebellion stigma attached to alcohol with our youths. Teens will rebel. Alcohol is accessible to them whether it's legal or not. So why not legalize it to them and allow parents the potential to teach their kids how to handle alcohol before they leave the house and try it on their own? I've lived in Germany where the drinking age is technically 16, but it's not uncommon to see 10/11 year olds in restaurants enjoying a beer while sitting with their families. My entire stay, I never heard that youth drunkenness was a problem. Food for thought.
craigers 13 years, 6 months ago
I thought the parents had about 18 years to teach their kids right from wrong, it really doesn't matter if a substance is legal for them or not. The parents have the opportunity to teach their kids, the problem is they don't. That is why we have so many problems here in the United States, parents don't do their job. Food for thought.
William_Rothgraeger 13 years, 6 months ago
Hi, Craigers. That's a pretty ambitious statement: parents don't teach their kids right from wrong and 'that's why we have so many problems in this country.' I don't think learning right from wrong is the issue. If drinking is wrong, we should make it illegal and no one should drink at all. I thought the issue was whether it is advantageous to institute the legal drinking age at 21. It seems to make sense that if minors drinking irresponsibly is a problem we should allow parents the chance to teach their youths how to practice drinking responsibly. Right now there is no legal way for parents to do that, so teens learn on their own. Of course some parents won't take advantage of this opportunity... does that mean we shouldn't allow it to anyone? What does everyone think?
craigers 13 years, 6 months ago
Sorry for being on my soap box William, and I see your point with allowing parents to teach children legally, but do we honestly have to do the activity to teach your children about it? I know this is a stretch, but parents teach kids about sex without making them participate in the act. Why can't alcohol be the same? I never said that drinking was wrong. I agree, once again, with the fact that if you can die for your country in war, then why can't you have a drink. I just see too many people that can't do anything anymore without drinking.
jonas 13 years, 6 months ago
Eighteen would be a good age. Hell, me and my friend were drinking every weekend from 16 on, and when we came up to college we were able to handle our liquor pretty well, and we knew how to drink without dropping like a rock. We still did, don't get me wrong, but it wasn't with anywhere near the frequency that our friends (who hadn't worked with people older than them!) would get smashed.
More or less the same as with driving, half the problem is temperement and half the problem is experience (or lack thereof). I say we lower the full legal age to 18, and institute a "drinking permit" of sorts at 14-16 or so, that allows for kids to drink under supervised situations, but not to buy. A DUI or other alcohol related offense would cause the lic. to be revoked.
Mr. Cairo: Just raising the minimum age would only raise the age of the demographic that can't control their drinking. Think of an entire college town, like ours, filled to the gills with students that can't legally drink, only illegally, and ask yourself if that sounds safer than the alternative.
Original Bob: I don't usually agree with your posts, if I recall, but that last post was right on. Especially the anti-death penalty stance. It's one I've held for years, and no one seems to consider. Death is too short for some people.
William_Rothgraeger 13 years, 6 months ago
I can understand your frustration with senseless drunkenness, Craigers. I'm glad that people are thinking about it. I think that lowering the drinking age would help this problem. Responsible drinking is something learned through practice. The age limit only determines where kids learn it: from parents or peers. That's my opinion.
Jonas: that's an interesting idea to allow kids to drink under supervision. Nice post. Food for thought.
remember_username 13 years, 6 months ago
When I was in the service (at 17, Vietnam Era) all bartenders would serve you with a valid military ID. So even though I was 17 (legal age then was 18) I was allowed to drink in any bar I wanted.
The argument that, if you were old enough to fight for your country - you were old enough to drink, is as valid now as it is was then. But I believe the rule should be applied only to those in the service of their country. A soldier may be ordered into harms way tomorrow - that buys a little more leeway in excessive behavior if you ask me.
jonas 13 years, 6 months ago
Jimmy: Perhaps if you had a family member incarcerated for some terrible crimes, and seen him rehabilitate into a good person who has something to offer again to society, perhaps you would NOT support the death penalty. I'd like to believe that I would never be interested solely in revenge, and I think I know myself well enough to say that with some certainty. At any rate, it's much more expensive, through appeals and court dates and lawyer fees, to kill them than it is to let them sit in prison. At least, so I've heard.
nicegirl 13 years, 6 months ago
It doesn't really matter what the legal drinking age is. Kids under the set age will always find a way to get alcohol and there are always bars that will serve them regardless. I should know, I paid a few hefty fines myself for underage drinking in my younger years. It's just a suggestion so take it or leave it, but maybe if everyone just ignores Jimmy, he will get tired of not having attention paid to him and he will take his worthless ranting and derogatory language elsewhere. I actually feel sorry that he has such a pathetic existence that he has to resort to this.
italianprincess 13 years, 6 months ago
Drinking age should be left at 21. Thats all I'm going to say about this question.
nicegirl 13 years, 6 months ago
You must be a miserable human being and I feel very sorry for your kids that they are being raised and taught the hatred that consumes you. I will pray for your miserable soul. And if you knew as much as you think, you would have noticed long ago that Jonas is not right winged.
Haymaker 13 years, 6 months ago
Jimmy, Though most intelligent people will dismiss your comments about Marines as just words from an ignorant blabbermouth, I'll play ball. Fact is, the Marines (yes, you capitalize that title) have higher standards. When someone wants a mission accomplished, they turn to the Marines. That's because the Marine Corps is more creative, adaptive, better trained, cost effective and superior to what you would get from the Army. The Army is great. The Marine Corps is better. Your comments about the intelligence of Marines in general is wrong. It's based on a stupid stereotype created long ago as a joke. If you want to look at it closer, why don't you try to find the average IQ of someone in the Army. I admit, my experience is related to highly technical fields, but the top performers in multi service enviornments were Marines with very few exceptions. Of those exceptions, the Army was always bringing up the rear. It's because they have lower standards and tolerate low performers.
jonas 13 years, 6 months ago
Jimmy: Who brought god up? I haven't been to church in eight years, since I moved out of my parents house and it became my own choice.
I love being called a right-wing nut, because it means the one doing so is either ignorant, a rabid uber-liberal, a troll, or a simple dunderhead. Read my collection of posts (all you have to do is click on my name and then click on read all) and then explain to me where you got the idea that I was a right wing nut. I understand it may take awhile, I have a lot of posts.
I've found that there are two types of people, the ones who think before they talk or act, and the ones who simply react to stimulus. Which, Jimmy, are you?
BTW Nicegirl: Why would you want Jimmy to go away? Best humor on the site when Lulu's not posting.
jonas 13 years, 6 months ago
Who thinks it would be a fun idea to link Jimmy and Hoof Hearted directly to each other, put them in a closed room, and have them IM themselves all day? They'd either come out moderates, or stark insane!
Any seconds? Anyone?
jonas 13 years, 6 months ago
Whoa, when I posted that, Hoof hearted hadn't posted yet. What timing! I must be sliding closer to crossing the line into the Information Jonaverse!
Haymaker 13 years, 6 months ago
Jimmy, Is being a fool your hobby or your profession? As far as in the rear, nice assumption. You shouldn't talk about stuff you know nothing about.
madcow 13 years, 6 months ago
how come every time i read this someone is going on and on about what a huge homophobe they are.
people are gay, get over it, and get a life.
me 13 years, 6 months ago
You guys are cracking me up again!
jonas 13 years, 6 months ago
Me too, what?
Hi_Jinks 13 years, 6 months ago
Haymaker......
I beg to differ! I believe Jimmy knows all about "bring up the rear" (If you'll pardon me!)!!!
As a matter of fact, I do believe that that is the basic truth behind Jimmy's acerbic rantings and gratuitous insults.
See, Jimmy has a long-standing chip on his shoulder about the Armed Forces' policy concerning....... "Don't ask, don't tell."
Isn't that right Jimmy? You're out of the service now because you're gay, and while in the service, Uncle Sam wouldn't allow you to display outward/public affection towards another man while in uniform!!! So, you got mad, pouted, stomped your foot, and when your enlistment expired, you left! Like the scornful gay man that you are!!!
You know, Jimmy.....If you're gay... Hey, that's cool! No biggie!---But you're out of the service now, so let it go!! Don't let Uncle Sam's position concerning homosexuals/homosexuality bother you!! Move on with your life!! Stop feeling so bitter!
Jonas, you are correct! Indeed, it would seem to me that "Jimmy" is the new "LuLu" on this page!! :@!!!
Welcome aboard Jimmy/LuLu!!
Hi_Jinks 13 years, 6 months ago
Jimmy, you're as gay as they come! Your constant "anal references" give you away. You like it in the ass, and hey, whatever! That's your thing!----Just make sure your "well-hung" partners wear a condom!!
jonas 13 years, 6 months ago
Don't worry, Consumer1, he's just irked by my idea above. I still think it's a good one.
remember_username 13 years, 6 months ago
Ummm...Doesn't this site have a moderator? Talk about off topic, does anybody remember what the question was?
Hi_Jinks 13 years, 6 months ago
Maybe we're all gay!! What do say we grab some chips, dip, and lots of booze (But only if you're 21 or over!!)---and we'll all meet at Jimmy's house!!
P.S. I don't eat dip, myself! ---I can't trust you people!! (No offense!)
..."Hi_Jinks, try some of my dip! It's homemade!"
Hi_Jinks: "Homemade, huh? What kind is it?"
"Creamy Ranch, of course!!"
Hi_Jinks: "Creamy Ranch, huh? Sure it is!! No thanks!"
ChristySharrie 13 years, 6 months ago
If people can drink at an earlier age, it gives parents a real chance at exposing kids to the responsibilities that come with drinking. Right now, it's "don't do this, it's bad". That rarely gets through to teens, as seeing that teen drinking is on the rise. 'Scare tactics' just don't work. Parents could then be there to show their teens 'good' and 'bad' drinking habits. I know that when my parents gave me a drink of wine at a young age, I didn't drink again until I was 18. The taste alone is enough to deter most kids. Let them try it. Heaven knows that it would certainly help places like the Wheel and such stay in business, legalizing their customer base.
mrcairo 13 years, 6 months ago
Jonas, Would you rather have an 18 year old behind the wheel driving drunk or a 25 year old. Most 18 year olds don't have to pay for auto insurance. Most 25 year olds do. Most 25 year olds really understand that driving drunk is dangerous. Most 18 year olds don't.
Bugbear 13 years, 6 months ago
hoof-hearted......Heterophobe? Is there really such a thing?
Hmm...I suppose (In theory.)
Wow! Talk about turning the tables!
jonas 13 years, 6 months ago
I would prefer not to have either of them behind the wheel drunk. The problem is that will not be solved by raising the drinking age. I had alcohol whenever I wanted it by age 15 or 16. It's not that hard. The whole idea is that, if they have some form of supervised drinking experience, they will know enough NOT to get behind the wheel of a car. As for as your age comparative assumptions, I disagree entirely. An inexperienced drinker is an inexperienced drinker, whether 18 or 25. There's no magic button that gets pressed that tells someone of a certain age that it's dangerous to drive when drunk. It's something that gets learned either through teaching, or through experience.
Where did you get the idea most 18 year olds don't have to pay for auto-insurance? Do you have a source for that, or are you just saying it? I had to pay for my auto insurance as soon as I got my car, at 16.
nicegirl 13 years, 6 months ago
Jonas: I think the difference between LuLu and Jimmy is that while Lulu is just a plain idiot, Jimmy is cruel, vulgar and intolerable of others.
Curtis Martell 13 years, 6 months ago
Some of you people are Dorks. Name calling is what this about isn't it?
Curtis Martell 13 years, 6 months ago
I think lowering the drinking age is good for the economy. It will make it easier for more people to buy liquor and thats good.
Hawkarma 13 years, 6 months ago
Yes, let's drink beer. There is a time and a place for everything that goes on between two or more consenting adults so long as it does not adversely affect a third party. If the age of 18 marks adulthood, then they too should be able to drink alcohol. However, changing the law is going to take some crafty moves considering most of our federal highway funding is contingent upon the 21 year age limit for alcohol consumption.
Savage 13 years, 6 months ago
Man... when i was in the Navy, on Guam, the drinking age was 18 (i thought I was lucky at the time). I had a great time there. I used to have a couple at the beach bars to help me loosen up for the chics, when I was off duty. Heck... We even had Budweiser Beer Can, and cigarette machines on base (in our dorm lobbies). They eventually got pulled, but they were there for my first year. So yes.. myself and several other friends could legally "party harty" at just 18 or 19 years of age. Did a few become drunks? Sure ... just like anywhere else.
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